Sunday, June 26, 2011

An interview with the owner of Visualize Entertainment, Scott Gerke www.bestdjcompany.com

Working hard to create that perfect mix

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Get to know him/her as much as possible, and really try to figure out if his/her personality matches yours. The last thing you want is some awkward DJ playing music at your event.

When you hire me, I do my best to become well acquainted with you.  I want you to feel like you have hired the best DJ to do the job, and typically by the end of the event, I have made friends with a good amount of your guests.  Your DJ has to set the mood, and if he can't do it with a smile from the start, he's worthless.

Q. What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?


This is feels great to read
 Q: Are you licensed and insured?
A: Yes.
Many venues require insurance, so make sure to do your homework before booking the DJ who cannot even walk through the doors of your event!

Q: Is this your primary source of income?
A: Yes
And because it is that way, I spend A LOT of time perfecting my skill. Working public parties, when not booked privately, help me hone in on my ability to read a crowd and choose that perfect set of songs that will turn an ordinary event into one that everyone will be talking about for years to come!

Q: Do you buy your music?
A. Yes
When you book an event with Visualize Entertainment, you are getting music that has been purchased, not stolen! In return, you receive the best quality sound. Beware of DJ's who steal their music...you're not getting what you paid for!


Q: Is all of your gear industry standard and updated?
A: Yes
You will notice my gear is very clean and never a distraction. I keep all my cables neat and I am always conscious of how your photos would look if you were to take pictures around my equipment. You get the best because you deserve the best!


Q: Do you allow us to pick all the songs we want?
A: Of course! This is YOUR party, remember?!
Although you hire a professional to do the work for you, I always invite my clients to give me a list of certain songs they would like to hear throughout the night. I've even had brides choose every song. Now, that may be a bit dangerous and very time-consuming, but you are more than welcome to do so.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

 

Add your wedding colors and initials for a elegant, custom look
A. There is not one DJ company in the Florida Keys that offers such an array of services. As far as music goes, we are completely wireless and have the ability to get you almost any song with a click of a button... even at your event! We carry all different types of lighting, as well as uplighting, which a very inexpensive way to decorate...did you know that? We do personal photo/video slideshows, and customize gobos. Just check out our website to see that are a one-stop shop for DJ/MC and lighting!
We even have a portable photo booth now!  It is amazing how much fun you can have with these!


Q. What do you like most about your job?

 

This is my reaction to a full dance floor

A. I love making people happy. I have been a DJ all of my life and really don't see myself doing anything else. It's the way I express myself and my biggest passion in life. To be apart of any event and have to be in charge of the music is a very delicate task.   I have spent over a decade perfecting that skill.

 

 Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

 

I let my customers to the talking
Q: Why choose you over the other guys?

A: Because this is my passion and it shows at every event I do! I'm not one of those cheesy DJ's who have to be on the mic all night and talk in a creepy tones, I am very personable when on the mic and know when to be on it. When playing music, I do a style of DJ'ing called beat-matching. I take two songs and match both of their beats, so when I'm blending from one song to the next, the beat never stops so the dance floor never dies out. Between that and my love for requests, you get more than just a DJ...you get value and piece of mind.


Q. What are your most common types of jobs?

 

Intimate or 400+ party, we can make it happen



A. DJ/MC and lighting for...

Weddings
Private parties
Birthdays
Mitzvahs
Corporate events
Clubs/Bars
Etc...

 

 

 

 

 

Q. Tell us about a job you did that you are particularly proud of.

 

I even have the original comment card to prove it!

A. That is a very difficult question to answer. I am proud of just about every gig I do, knowing that I've created this successful business that I've been working on since I was 15 years old. But if I really had to pick one that stood out from all the rest, it would have to be the first wedding I ever did. I was 19, and my oldest sister came with me to help keep me calm because I was so nervous. The night went so well, everyone thought I was a seasoned professional! That was because I was prepared and organized.

 

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

 

A.  Everyday I am learning something that can help better my company and make the experience for my clients much easier and enjoyable. I am very active on forums, and subscribed to a couple of DJ network programs that are always introducing new techniques and ideas.


Q. If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?


A. "If you can't run with the big dogs, stay on the porch."


I've spent years working on creating a care-free and exciting experience for my clients, it's not something you learn over night. A successful DJ needs many years under his/her belt to understand how to properly read a crowd. Finding that perfect song that will get everyone up and dancing is an art, which will then become intuitive. With over a decade of experience, playing that perfect song has become second nature to me.


 
 Q.  Aside from DJ'ing, do you offer any other services?


I love taking requests!  Look at all of them!
Lighting/Decoration
I do! I am proud to say I have a full line of lighting that can be used on the dance floor to make it really fun and exciting, as well as lighting used as decoration. Used as an inexpensive was to decorate,  uplighting has become a very popular choice, and its amazing to see how it can change any ordinary venue into one that is truly yours! I can control the colors and well as movements so that we can decorate the venue with your special wedding or event colors!

Photo Booth
As the newest member to the family, we like bringing this service to every event so that she doesn't feel left out, ha.   Give our photo booth a try and give you and your guests something really fun to enjoy, leaving you with lasting memories of the entire night's silly festivities.

Monday, June 20, 2011

Key West High School Graduation Party 2011!

...If only I could do it over again.  I remember setting up a stage in my back yard, hiring my friends band to play, and me DJ'ing during their breaks.  I had all sorts of stage lights, good sound, and great family and friends to share it with.  The rain, which hit us about 3 hours after it started, moved the whole party, including the band, into the house.  That created quite an interesting night.

Fortunately, there was no rain at this graduation party I worked, but rather an amazing pig roast and a fun group of family and friends to share the great time with.

Not a bad spot, eh?

Let me start you off with dinner's production...

A smoked pig provided by Dave with Pigs in Paradise

 
These guys had a very important request: Do not drop the pig!

Dave and his final product.  This guy pulls it off every time!
After an amazing dinner, it was time for the announcement of the graduate, followed by a dance with her mother.

Song selection:  Aubrey - Bread
...that's how she got her name!

Dinner was over, and then it was time to dance.  I did everything from Pitbull to Credence Clearwater Revival, to Michael Jackson to Yellowcard.  I was all over the genre spectrum, and the entire crowd loved it.

The Dancing Queens gathered for an action shot



Can you spot the grad?
Teal dress...it was hard getting a pic with her she was so popular


It's not a party without the Cupid Shuffle...oh yea, we did the Electric Slide too

I liked these ladies a lot...


Me with the grad's friends and family.

 Now, we all know it's not a party until someone grabs the mic and requests to do some karaoke


Yep, they asked for the mic.  It was officially a party, ha (take note of the sign)


So, the clock struck 9:30 and it was time to pack everything up.  These guys were just itching to get in on this pig that had been sitting on the table all night.  It was finally their time to shine...

Sorry guys, I had to put this up for some good laughs.


Good work Mom for raising such an awesome kid!
The sign said it, not me!

Congratulations Aubrey!  Good luck to you in the future!


Vendors at the Event..tell them Scott w/ Visualize Entertainment sent ya!

Caterer:
Pigs in Paradise
Dave Williamson
305-304-5101

305-791-4375

Monday, June 13, 2011

"And I'm proud to be an American..." - Lee Greenwood

Our Memorial Day weekend was PACKED with all sorts of events.  It was a great long-weekend for us, and a most memorable one for our satisfied customers.

Our Sunday gig during the holiday brought us to Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge, where they offer camping by the water, as well as boat rentals.

Thanks Brenda and Joann for a great party!



Minimal equipment set-up still proves its worth...


This is their sound booth.  How cool is that
When I got to the venue, I noticed most of the space was dedicated to the guests and there was already a sound system for me to plug in to.  I told them no problem at all.  I ALWAYS come prepared for any situation and will have the music set up in no time.  30 minutes later, we were up and running and the guest started to arrive.




Just a quick note:
With 11 years in business, I've encounter all types of situations that could possibly put a damper on the party.  I never show up without a back-up plan and extra music, because this is your party and it has to happen the way you want it to!  If you've hired Visualize Entertainment to be your DJ, MC or lighting specialist, you have put your trust in us.  We never want to loose that!  You can rest at ease when you've hired us knowing that you are dealing with one of the most respected DJ companies is the Florida Keys.




Anyways, back to the event. It was great to see just about everyone on the dance floor.  All ages too!  From babies to grandparents, teenagers to mom and dad...it was a party!  I played music from all generations and people were really impressed to hear some song choices I had made that really made them smile and reminiscence. 

Genres played...
80s - Top 40 - Classic Rock - Oldies -Swing - Jazz - Country - Motown - Urban


Intimate parties with the right people really make memorable events



Closing Song:
God Bless the USA - Lee Greenwood



Professional Vendors at the Event
Venue:
Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge
305-872-2351

Disc Jockey and Master of Ceremonies:
305-791-4375



Thursday, June 2, 2011

"I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend"... - Jason Mraz

The wedding Visualize Entertainment was apart of this past weekend will definitely go down in the record books as one of the most spontaneous receptions ever done.

My set up.  Very clean so your pictures look great!

Held at the Hyatt Resort in Key West,  I knew the intimate setting provided was going to make this a great event.

The wrap-around porch at the Hyatt

From the moment I lined up the wedding party for introductions, to the last dance, which was choreographed by the bride and groom, every moment was full of excitement and true love.



Taking care of everyone's request
Cocktail Hour Music
Tropical sounds of the steel drums

    Bridal Party Entrance Music
    Parents: Walking On Sunshine - Katrina & The Waves
    Bridesmaids/Groomsmen:  Bring Em' Out - T.I.
    B&G:  Shipping Out to Boston - Drop Kick Murphys




The bride made request sheets for me!

The bride and groom
encouraged all of their friends and family to get involved in the reception formalities.  I believe that is the perfect touch to any wedding.  During their first dance together, they kept the dance floor to themselves, but after the second verse, they invited their entire wedding party to join them on the dance floor.  I believe doing things like that creates a very personal touch and looks great for pictures.



Bride and Groom First Dance
Lucky - Jason Mraz 


Things got really interesting when the Best Man made his own grand entrance to give the toast.  After his first word, he had everyone laughing and completely intrigued.  His jokes were spot on, and was able to keep it sincere and pleasantly emotional for his sister - the bride, and guests .  In the 11 years I have been doing this, I have never seen a speech so witty and well structured.  He knew exactly what to say and how to say it without missing a beat.  I have so much more to say about his speech, but words can't explain it all.  Stay tuned for the video of the speech I am trying really hard to get from the videographer.  It's truly a must see video...

Best Man and his amazing speech


Best Man Entrance Song for speech
Superstar - Choir & Murray Head (soundtrack from Jesus Christ Superstar)

The whole night was perfect.  Amazing sunset, great song selection from the bride and groom, and happy people.  Hire professionals, have your wedding in the Florida Keys, and you too can have the wedding be everything you have ever dreamed it to be...




Last Dance
I've Had the Time of My Life -   Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes

See you in paradise!




 Professional Vendors at the Wedding

Venue:
305-809-1234

Cake: 
305-296-4162

305-296-9336

305-791-4375




Thursday, May 19, 2011

"...And the heavens open every time she smiles" - Van Morrison

I could not believe how many weddings there were this week in Key West!  It was like a sea of nicely dressed people all having the time of their life up and down Duval Street...awesome!


The Key West wedding reception Visualize Entertainment DJ'ed at this past weekend was at the Hot Tin Roof at the Ocean Key Resort right on the water.  A very intimate setting with 40 guests, they were complimented with a great seafood dinner as well as Irish and contemporary background music.



 Just as dinner finished, it was the two little boys at the reception that first destroyed the dance floor.  After showing the adults how to properly cut a rug, they quickly followed suit.  It was a night filled with classic oldies that was enjoyed by all, as well as more modern top 40 to keep the younger crowd up and running.  It was truly a party all night long!


 The newlyweds picked out every song they wanted to play, and I couldn't believe how great of a job they did.  The floor was packed all night!  I even let the bride make a couple mixes of her own...



Congratulations to Laura and Brian...Key West sends you many great wishes of joy! 


Very nice mix of music and DJ abilities (mixing) and leading party


Venue/Dinner:
305-296-7701


305-791-4375

Videographer:
305-393-0245

305-791-4375


Wednesday, May 18, 2011

"Carry on, love is coming, love is coming to us all." - Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young

April was a big month for pool parties and going into May was a great wedding at the West Martello right on Higgs Beach.  What a really unique setting that the Key West Garden Club has created.  It's actually an old fort that they have turned into a garden, filled with orchids, and pathways to incredible views of the ocean.

The Gazebo overlooking the Atlantic Ocean
Nothing to complain about here...
Part of the beautiful garden path

Congratulations to the newlyweds Mr. & Mrs. Sawyer who's grand entrance song was Tom Sawyer by Rush.  That was the first time Key West DJ Company Visualize Entertainment played that song as a grand entrance and I believed it to be very fitting.


One of the unique things I really liked at their wedding was having a section of the Martello devoted to taking Polaroid pictures.  Their guests would grab the camera, maybe some funny sunglasses or umbrella hat and take a picture of themselves and hang it on a clothesline for the bride and groom to take back with them as a memento of their guests.

The polaroid's were being hung to dry

Guests were given the option to dress up with funky items to make the picture more interesting



Dinner was catered by Small Chef at Large who made a wonderful Jamaican style meal and the cake was created by Key West Cakes who made a cake very fitting to the area.

Looks like the fisherman bagged him a winner

It was no trouble at all getting the guests up and dancing.  In fact, there was not one person sitting down during the last 1.5 hours of the reception!  They requested all the classic dance hits, which helped create an environment any age could enjoy.



Guests kept coming up and telling me this was the best wedding reception they had ever been to, and it was clear to see,  the bride and groom were having an amazing time as well.  Even the bride got in the mix and dj'ed a couple songs!



Thank you to all the vendors who came out and made the event a memorable experience.  Listed below are all the vendors present at the wedding for your convenience in case you are interested in using them for your next big event!


305-294-3210

DJ/MC Services:
Key West Disc Jockey
305-791-4375

Photographer:
Art Attack
305-294-7131

Caterer:
305-294-1943

Cake:
305-296-4162



“The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time.” - James Taylor

A recent wedding that Key West DJ Company Visualize Entertainment did was at the Key West Golf Course, where the newly weds said their "I Do's" to each other on the 18th green.  Perfect sunset, perfect weather, and wonderful friends and family to enjoy the day together.

18th Green

Wedding ceremony music was provided by Key West DJ Company Visualize Entertainment, and was the perfect compliment to the event.  Romantic love tunes and instrumentals from the classic era set the mood for a wonderful entrance to the nights festivities.

Equipment strong enough so everyone can hear, but small enough that it doesn't create an eye-sore


The reception music was also provided by Key West DJ Scott Gerke from Visualize Entertainment, Inc., who kept the dance floor full all night long with classic motown, 80's, and todays favorites.  It seems that there is never a gig where Scott doesn't bring full-on energy to the reception.

It was like this all night!

The party closed out with The Beatles "A Little Help from My Friends", and everyone left with a great big smile on their face.  The newlyweds were happy, the parents were happy, and so were the guests. Couldn't ask for anything more!

The mother of the bride was exceptionally pleased

Venue:
305-294-5232

Visualize Entertainment
Scott Gerke
305-791-4375

305-600-8788